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4- and 5-star hotels in Lewes
Four- and five-star hotels in Lewes, from town-centre inns to country lodges and self-catering apartments. This shortlist is for travellers weighing up a historic-town base against the South Downs, whether for a couple's short break, a family stay or a quiet few days in Sussex.
Staying in Lewes
Lewes grew around its castle and priory, and the layout still reflects that medieval past: the High Street runs along a ridge, with lanes and twittens dropping down to the river. Visitors come for the history, the independent shops and the town's position on the edge of the South Downs, and the place is small enough to explore on foot.
These hotels sit in different parts of the town and its surroundings. The Goldings on Castle Ditch Lane, The White Hart A Heartwood Inn on High Street and Pelham House on St Andrew's Ln are all within half a kilometre of the centre, so shops, restaurants and the railway station are close at hand. The Blacksmiths Arms on London Road is 2.5 km out, YHA South Downs Hostel at Itford Farm Beddingham 5.1 km, White Lodge B&B on Town Littleworth Road 7.2 km, while Beechwood B&B on Eastbourne Road and Hesmonds Oast Lodge at East Hoathly are further still, in open country.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Beechwood B&B
Eastbourne Road, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThis 5-star accommodation boasts extensive facilities such as a Garden, Terrace, and Free car parking. It suits those seeking a high level of comfort, as indicated by its 5-star classification and numerous amenities.
See Beechwood B&BHesmonds Oast Lodge
East Hoathly East Sussex, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereWith its 5-star rating, Hesmonds Oast Lodge provides lodgers with a Swimming pool, Garden, and Free car parking. It is well-suited for guests desiring a higher standard of lodging in Lewes.
See Hesmonds Oast LodgeThe Blacksmiths Arms
London Road, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereFor those prioritizing a central location, The Blacksmith's Arms is only 2.5 km from the centre and features a Restaurant(s), Garden, and offers horse back riding opportunities. Its 4.3 guest rating suggests a reliable experience.
See The Blacksmiths ArmsThe White Hart A Heartwood Inn
High Street, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Travelling with pets
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSituated just 0.4 km from the centre, The White Hart A Heartwood Inn provides peace of mind with 24H. Security and features a Golf course. Those who appreciate its 3.5 guest rating might find it suitable.
See The White Hart A Heartwood InnThe Goldings
Castle Ditch Lane Lewes, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Goldings, located within 0.3 km of the centre, offers impressive facilities including a Tennis court, Mini Golf, and Bowling. With a perfect 5.0 guest rating, it appeals to active guests.
See The GoldingsPelham House
St Andrew's Ln Lewes Bn7 1Uw Uk, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay herePelham House is conveniently located 0.5 km from the centre and offers services like Concierge, a Cafe, and free car parking. Its 4-star class suggests a refined stay.
See Pelham HouseYHA South Downs Hostel
Itford Farm Beddingham, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThe YHA South Downs Hostel provides communal spaces with a Lounge, Banquette, and a Kitchen, and is situated 5.1 km from the centre. It accommodates those looking for shared facilities.
See YHA South Downs HostelWhite Lodge B&B
Town Littleworth Road, Lewes, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereWhite Lodge B&B offers a range of comforts including a Garden, Golf course, and Free car parking, positioned 7.2 km from the centre. It caters to those seeking specific amenities.
See White Lodge B&B
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beechwood B&B | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | 10.4 km |
| Hesmonds Oast Lodge | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | 12.3 km |
| The Blacksmiths Arms | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 2.5 km |
| The White Hart A Heartwood Inn | ★★★★ | – | Yes | 0.4 km |
| The Goldings | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Pelham House | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 0.5 km |
| YHA South Downs Hostel | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 5.1 km |
| White Lodge B&B | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 7.2 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Goldings and Pelham House both list family rooms, and The Goldings adds a kitchen, kitchenette, washing machine and cot for longer stays. YHA South Downs Hostel at Itford Farm also has family rooms, a kitchen and a lounge, with 4-star class and a countryside setting 5.1 km from the centre.
For self-catering
Both list a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, oven, microwave and refrigerator, and Hesmonds Oast Lodge also has a swimming pool, a garden and a patio for days when you stay in.
For a country break
Beechwood B&B on Eastbourne Road and White Lodge B&B on Town Littleworth Road sit well outside the town, at 10.4 km and 7.2 km, and both list a garden and free car parking. The Blacksmiths Arms on London Road, 2.5 km from the centre, has a restaurant and bar and a 4.3 guest rating from 283 reviews.
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Lewes is on the main railway line from London Victoria to Brighton, with frequent services; the journey from London takes around an hour, and there are also services from London Bridge. Buses run from Brighton, Eastbourne and other parts of Sussex. By road, the town is near the A27 along the South Coast. Once in Lewes, most of the town is walkable, with the railway station about a 10-minute walk from the High Street, and local buses connect the centre with surrounding villages and the South Downs.
When to go
The best time to visit Lewes is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the surrounding countryside is at its best, and summer brings longer days and outdoor events. The town is famous for its Bonfire Night celebrations on 5 November, which draw large crowds. Winter can be cold and wet, but the town is quieter and still offers indoor attractions like the castle and museums.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Lewes?
The Goldings on Castle Ditch Lane is the closest at 0.3 km, followed by The White Hart A Heartwood Inn on High Street at 0.4 km and Pelham House on St Andrew's Ln at 0.5 km. The Blacksmiths Arms on London Road is 2.5 km from the centre.
Do any of these hotels have free parking?
Yes. Beechwood B&B, Hesmonds Oast Lodge, The Blacksmiths Arms, Pelham House, YHA South Downs Hostel and White Lodge B&B all list free car parking among their facilities. The Goldings lists parking, while The White Hart A Heartwood Inn does not list parking.
Which hotels allow pets?
The White Hart A Heartwood Inn and Pelham House both list pets allowed. None of the other hotels on this shortlist lists pets allowed among its facilities.
Is there a hotel in Lewes with a pool?
Only Hesmonds Oast Lodge, a 5-star property at East Hoathly East Sussex, lists a swimming pool. It is 12.3 km from the centre of Lewes, so it suits guests who want to stay outside the town.
Which hotels are best for families in Lewes?
The Goldings, Pelham House, The White Hart A Heartwood Inn and YHA South Downs Hostel all list family rooms. The Goldings also has a kitchen, washing machine and cot, while YHA South Downs Hostel adds a kitchen and lounge at Itford Farm.
What is the top-rated hotel on this shortlist?
The Goldings has a guest rating of 5.0 from 1 review, and The Blacksmiths Arms follows with 4.3 from 283 reviews. The White Hart A Heartwood Inn is rated 3.5 from 525 reviews; the other hotels on this list have no guest rating shown.
Do any of these hotels have a restaurant or bar?
The Blacksmiths Arms lists a restaurant and bars, The White Hart A Heartwood Inn lists a restaurant and bars, Pelham House lists a restaurant, bar/lounge and cafe, and YHA South Downs Hostel also lists a restaurant and bars.
How do I get to Lewes from London?
Trains run regularly from London Victoria to Lewes, with a journey time of about an hour, and there are also services from London Bridge. The railway station in Lewes is about a 10-minute walk from the High Street.